Gone are the days when a vegan diet meant soggy vegetables and the same old pulses on repeat. Whether you’re taking part in Veganuary or committing to the meat-free, dairy-free lifestyle on a more long-term basis, we’ve got the perfect plant-based, vegan bottomless brunch for your weekend.
A stone’s through from Old Street station in Shoreditch, you’ll find Apothecary, a stylish restaurant-bar newly opened in 2021. On Saturdays and Sundays, the eatery boasts a fantastic bottomless brunch spread, with food inspired by traditional Tokyo small plates. You can opt for meat-based choices, or instead follow the vegan path, with flavours truly packing a punch in the plant-based dishes. And, of course, we can’t call it bottomless brunch without booze; Apothecary boast a drinks menu of specialist house-mixed cocktails.
Upon being seated, you’ll be presented with a mimosa, or mocktail (ideal if you’re doing Dry January too), and savoury snacks of lotus crisps and edamame beans. You can then opt to add on a further 90 minutes of free-flowing bubbles or cocktails, choosing between a selection of bespoke concoctions – and the best part is you can mix and match! Try them all, or stick to your favourite; it is your choice. We enjoyed the Summer Cup, which comprises gin, melon liqueur, crème de framboise, rose vermouth, orange bitters, citrus peel and lemonade; it brought a little sunshine to a very dreary and wet Saturday. If you prefer a non-alcoholic tipple, the house mocktail mixes Lyre’s American malt, aperitif Rosso and Italian orange.
When it comes to the food, the curation is just as impressive. You’ll feast on six small plates during the vegan bottomless brunch, championing exquisite vegetables, rather than relying on meat substitutes. To start, a plate of light Yasai lucky roll sushi will grace the table, followed by warming sweet potato skewers, which although (of course) sweet, have a subtle but satisfying spice hit. Next up, you’ll try a grilled vegetable dish: we couldn’t get enough of the grilled cauliflower with truffle sesame. For me, usually a fried chicken fiend, it was a very good alternative. You’ll also enjoy a soft, steamed Hirata bun, paired with crispy, spicy tofu, jalapeños, pickles and lettuce, plus a ‘fried’ course, which for us, brought with it our favourite dish of the afternoon: miso-glazed aubergine. Crunchy, saucy, flavoursome… it is a must-taste.
And to finish? Guests will sample the venue’s house sorbet, bursting with innovative fruity flavours. It is light and tasty – the ultimate palette cleanser, readying your tastebuds for the rest of your cocktails. The service is super speedy and the staff are attentive, so you may find yourself with multiple plates on the table at once. Mixing and matching these dishes can only be a good thing, right?
The Japanese influence is clear throughout both the food and drink, and this theme continues in the venue’s decor too. Apothecary, named in honour of the building’s heritage, boasts bright lights in the bar area, with indoor trees and a more moody, sleek industrial feel in the main restaurant area, combine effortlessly to create a Tokyo buzz with a Shoreditch edge. Guests can dine in said main area, or rent out an exclusive private dining room.
This vegan bottomless brunch costs £30 for the six plates and welcome cocktail, while the 90 minutes of unlimited cocktails comes in at an additional £20.